Discover 10 Lesser Known Salem Attractions  

Salem makes no bones about leaning into its haunting history, embracing its “Witch City” nickname, but this coastal enclave was built on much more than its otherworldly renown. Compelling maritime history, spellbinding natural beauty, talented artists, captivating collections, and inspired food and drink artisans show a side of Salem waiting to be unearthed.

Deacon Giles Distillery

Don’t be fooled by the industrial-looking auto-repair building or give up on its tricky-to-find entrance. It’s worth following the glowing red pendant light to uncover Deacon Giles Distillery. Following in the footsteps of the dozen-plus rum distilleries that thrived here in the early to mid-1800s, Deacon Giles is Salem’s first distiller in more than a century. Over the past decade, it’s earned a cult-like following for its wickedly good craft spirits made on site.

Notch Brewery 

Since 2016, Notch has been winning over beer aficionados and casual sippers with their German- and Czech-focused craft beers. Housed inside a one-time warehouse perched on Salem’s picturesque Harborwalk, Notch is known for its jovial vibe. An expansive outdoor year-round biergarten invites visitors (and their four-legged friends) to come, stay, and play a while.

Salem Willows Park

Any time of year, “the Willows” makes it easy for visitors to digitally disconnect, whether taking in the beauty of this waterfront park’s more-than-35 acres, enjoying a picnic or summertime concert, letting loose behind the wheel of a bumper car, experiencing a sunset kayak or paddleboard tour, battling it out for bragging rights at the classic arcade, or taking a nostalgic ride on the 1905 carousel.

Stephen Phillips House

Not long after Chestnut Street was laid out in 1796, it became one of the North Shore’s most fashionable addresses. Today, the Stephen Phillips House, a National Historic Landmark, is the only manse on this elite street open to the public. Originally built as a Federal-style home for a millionaire sea captain, Anna Phillips led a 14-month renovation in 1911 that transformed the property into the impressive Colonial Revival admired today.

The Satanic Temple

You might expect devil worship to be the order of the day at a satanic temple. However, the non-theistic religious movement headquartered in this 1882 former funeral home doesn’t concern itself with the underworld; its main cause is promoting autonomy for Earth’s inhabitants. While there’s no shortage of occult symbolism and esoteric relics to ponder here (plus an art gallery and, of course, a gift shop), the institution preaches the straightforward virtues of science, reason, humanity, and societal equality—beneficial practice for people of all faiths.

North Shore Glass School

The artists at North Shore Glass School aren’t about to gatekeep the secrets of glass artistry. Instead, they invite people to partake in the millennia-old craft by offering classes throughout the year. Glassblowing, fused glass, stained glass, and lampworking techniques can be learned in workshops or during special events for adults, kids, teens, and tweens.

Pickering Wharf

Fanning out from the edge of Salem Harbor, this historic waterfront district buzzes once again as it did in the city’s maritime past. Quaint mom-and-pop shops stocked with candles, crystals, and witchcraft supplies, as well as boutiques with whimsical finds, can be found alongside a hotel, a working marina where sailing tours depart, and beloved local restaurants.

New England Pirate Museum

Salem has no shortage of museums telling stories of the city’s past, but the New England Pirate Museum is a uniquely intriguing gem. Beyond viewing the bevy of authentic artifacts, treasures from the deep, and pirate dioramas, guests can board a full-length pirate ship, explore an 80-foot cave, and experience a recreated dockside village that brings 1692 Salem to life.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery 

Horror-film aficionados, this one’s for you. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery is a singular cinematic wax museum that brings visitors face to face with more than 60 life-size versions of iconic monsters, creepy creatures, and scream queens from the past century of the silver screen.

Salem Witch Board Museum

Tucked into the back of the Remember Salem storefront, you’ll find the Salem Witch Board Museum, which proudly claims the title of the world’s first museum dedicated to the history and mystery surrounding the Ouija board. Small but powerful, the museum has guides who tell tales of the strange and supernatural, and the collection of talking boards really is something to talk about.

This blog is an excerpt from our digital guide “250 Ways to Explore, Discover, and Celebrate North of Boston”. To view the full guide, click here.